Step 1
School problems should be resolved at the lowest level. The two parties involved (parent-teacher, student-teacher, etc.) should do their best to settle the differences between them. Forgiveness and restoration are the desired results.
“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.” ~ Matthew 18:15, NIV
Step 2
If the two parties have met, but the disagreement is unresolved, the problem should be taken to the appropriate lead teacher, department head, Principal, or Administrator for mediation. Each person should come to the meeting in a spirit of prayer and humility, be willing to submit to the Lord’s will in the matter, and be willing to submit to reproof and correction, if needed. Those of us who bear the name of Christ should joyfully conform to the will of Christ. An open and honest discussion among people who are sensitive to godly principles will most often reach an amiable solution.
“But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’” ~ Matthew 18:16, NIV
Step 3
If the problem is still unresolved, the following Grievance Procedure may be enacted:
- The student(s), parent(s), or their agents shall file a written request with the Head of School setting forth, in detail, the action or policy which is the basis of the grievance. The Head of School may initiate a hearing or discussion on the basis of this written request.
- If the grievance is not settled after being filed with the Head of School, the aggrieved parties may at any time, subsequent to 14 days after filing with the Head of School, file a written notice or copy of said grievance with the secretary of the School Board requesting that the Board review it. The School Board, or a committee appointed by it, shall determine, within 30 days, whether a formal hearing shall be held.
- During the consideration of any grievance, the policy or action being appealed shall be enforced unless modified by order of the School Board.
The school has used and will continue to use committees made up of parents, staff members, and possibly students to review materials, mediate, and advise leadership regarding grievances that are not resolved at the lower levels. The use of grievance committees can be implemented at or between Category levels two and three (see Behavior Policy for appropriate campus) in order to add insight, wisdom, and maturity to the decisions made by school leaders. This active mediation is a part of the process designed to keep unity and assure integrity and accountability.
If, after following this process to completion, a parent feels that the result of the grievance is not satisfactory, the parents are humbly asked to submit to the decision of the Board and administrative leadership and remain in the FRCS community. God is honored as brothers and sisters choose unity over division. In respect, we realize parents have the choice to select another school option. While this is not desired, FRCS will work with the family to help make the transition to the new school as smooth as possible and make sure that it is done in a way that honors God.
Attendance at FRCS is a privilege, not a right. If the actions or attitudes of the family are deemed destructive to the overall health of the school, the school reserves the right to terminate their enrollment. This is not the desired result of the grievance process, but the school recognizes that sometimes God uses these situations to lead families and the school in different directions. FRCS will be respectful and helpful if that is the case.
Scripture tells us that we are His temple designed to show the world who Christ is. We show the world we are His disciples by how we love one another. This resolution process is important to the health and future of our school and our representation to the greater community.
